Agnipath overhaul: Agniveers to get two more years before regular recruitment
The Union government has announced major changes to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, offering Agniveers an additional two years of service before consideration for permanent recruitment, subject to eligibility and selection requirements.
The decision was approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following a review conducted by the three armed services.
Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani announced the changes at a press conference alongside Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Under the revised arrangement, Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after their initial four-year tenure will be offered a further two-year engagement. At the end of this period, they will be considered for enrolment as regular soldiers, provided they are willing and meet the prescribed criteria.
The second engagement period will include improved remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority-related benefits.
Previously, the Agnipath scheme, introduced in June 2022, provided for a four-year service period, after which 25 per cent of recruits could be retained in the regular armed forces. The remaining 75 per cent were required to leave military service.
The latest changes come shortly before approximately 18,300 Agniveers were due to complete their four-year terms by December 31.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the move as part of a broader effort to modernise the armed forces and build a younger, technologically capable military.
General Subramani said the revised system would provide more opportunities for Agniveers to continue serving. However, he clarified that the Agnipath scheme would remain in place and that those selected for regular service after the initial four years would retain seniority over personnel recruited following the additional engagement period.
The announcement follows protests by young people and criticism from opposition parties over employment prospects under the original scheme. More than three lakh Agniveers are currently serving in the armed forces.